Stop. Look. Listen.

It's easy to be offended when a person you're just getting to know sits in front of you and with all the best intentions, provides their own analysis on your life decisions. By decisions, I mean them questioning why you work so much, why you refuse to wear track pants and ugg boots out in public or why you're so standoffish when it comes to men? Naturally, we're all likely to go into defence mode and without a moments hesitation begin justifying ourselves to someone who may not even be worth the time or energy? However, as I discovered a few days ago, sometimes waving the white flag and listening to what they have to say can be a liberating and insightful journey.

I think we can all become a little deluded at how others perceive us- especially upon a first encounter. Confidence can be misinterpreted as arrogance and similarly friendliness for flirtiness or shyness for disinterest, despite our intentions to project something quite different. Of course it's easy to argue that you're new acquaintance is firing judgement with no prior understanding of your life or circumstances, but when it happened to me the other day it got me thinking. If this was his opinion, than could it be others too?

Women often wonder why they attract the same type of guy or why their friends are all inherently the same? Could it be that we send a message to strangers without even knowing it? Just like most women, I've been hurt by men before and although I have forgiven some of their actions I will never forget the way I felt in those moments of madness and heartache. Have these experiences made me hesitant when trying to get to know someone new? Before my conversation with my new friend I would have said no, but now I'm starting to wonder...?

I suppose my conclusion to this experience is that sometimes we find ourselves reaching a place in our lives where it's easy and relatively comfortable to become complacent. The trouble with complacency is that it becomes increasingly more difficult to stop yourself unless someone brings unhealthy behaviour to your attention. Could we all take a little advice from someone who barely knows us? All I know is that sometimes someone special can make you sit back and think "maybe track suit pants aren't that bad after all".

: 25 Things...

To those who know me best, it's no secret I'm a list junkie.

I’d like to say it serves a specific purpose and is solely used to accommodate my ridiculously busy life, but truth be told, I’m just an organisational freak.

One of the many lists I have is one called “25 Things To Do Before 25”.

This is my version of what many call a Bucket List, except in my case I’m working on a specific timeframe rather than an entire lifetime. My thinking is, since no one knows when their final day will come, the excuse “I’ll do it later in life” bares no relevance so why not start ticking things off now?

I find lists are tangible and when goals are written out on paper they almost become part of a contract with yourself rather than a thought or figment of the imagination.

I’m turning 24 this year, so I have just under 18 months to complete 25 things which scare, challenge and excite me.

When I was 18, I remember writing a list of things to do before I turned 21, originally thinking those 4 years would last forever. Then, in the blink of an eye I had finished uni, was planning to travel around the world and just like that, time had passed. There were unfortunately a couple of items on that list which remained incomplete, but they’ve just advanced onto another list.

One rainy London afternoon I decided to relive my travel adventures by reading my journal, when I came across the list I made at the sheltered age of 18. As I read through the goals I had set for myself 6 years ago, and couldn’t help but laugh. The truth was, I was a little dumbfounded at the fact that at one stage of my life, I had considered those goals a big challenge. Maybe it was maturity, life experience or simply the fact I had grown as a person, that made me see things in a different light? It was an interesting personal analysis, and the facts were written out right in front of me. It was like seeing myself grow in words rather than pictures.

So with all that being said, the point of this post was to say that I’m currently in the process of ticking off number 17. Albeit the easiest item on the list, number 17 is to watch all 7 seasons of Sex and the City. While I’d like to excuse this indulgence as a necessary resource in developing my relationship skills, the truth is it’s nothing more than a guilty pleasure...

Fashion Indulgence...

Ladies of the world…

If you’re anything like me, your favourite section in a trashy gossip or fashion magazine is the collage of must-have items and celebrity outfits.

The “Under $100” lists always get me a little bit excited and the “runway to everyday” comparisons offer inspired options for those of us on a budget or earning less than the likes of Angelina Jolie and Gisele Bundchen.

So, imagine my excitement when I discovered the website WHOWHATWEAR.

Finally I had found a source that offered me all the things I loved most about fashion magazines in one location.

For those of us in Australia, this site is a great sneak peak into the latest fashion trends overseas, most of which will hit our shores later in the year. And, if you’re keen to hit next season with a wardrobe ready to go, then the site provides affordable alternatives through online shopping resources.

Whether you’re looking for a daily fashion fix, a reason to hold off on writing that essay or simply some much needed inspiration, then I encourage you to loose yourself in the treasures of WHOWHATWEAR.




[an example of what you'll find...]



Muse Of The Moment...

Kate Moss.

She's a woman after my own heart.

A woman who loves to wear black!

While Kate Moss' life choices have more often than not been questionable, her wardrobe decisions have landed her countless magazine covers and put her at the top of many peoples style icon list, including my own.

For those like me with a wardrobe overflowing with black pieces, Moss proves it can be made to look chic rather than rocker.

 

Going Goo Goo For Gaga

Last night Lady Gaga's Monster Ball Tour was broadcast on television, and since I was overseas on her Australian leg of the tour, it was a couple of hours of TV I didn't want to miss.

Gaga has critics, haters and legions of people who simply just 'don't get her' and therefore are afraid of what she stands for and represents. While watching the show with my mum and sisters, I couldn't help but cringe a little as I saw my mum's reaction when 2 of her male dancers ended a song with a passionate kiss, and then every time she grabbed her crotch, thrusting it against props on stage while swearing like a sailor mum's face turned blank in disbelief.

Love her or hate her, Gaga is as theatrical a performer as we're likely to see in my generation. First there was Cher, then Madonna and now Gaga has taken the title of crazy.

What I think is important to note however, is her message behind the crazy. I think Gaga's lyrics in the song Born This Way sums it up best...

I'm beautiful in my way

'Cause God makes no mistakes

I'm on the right track baby

I was born this way

Don't hide yourself in regret

Just love yourself and you're set

I'm on the right track baby

I was born this way

Her message to everyone that you're born perfect is a powerful one and in a world where appearance and perception rules, Gaga is a fresh and influential celebrity for our youth to look up to. She's loved by gay communities around the world and her fan base is vast, from the Western World to the Middle East.

I remember the first time I saw Lady Gaga perform. It was at the 2008 Miss Universe Pageant and the exact thought that crossed my mind while watching her was "this chick's going to be a one-hit wonder!" Little did I know that behind the auto-tuning and wig was an amazing voice and an artist who would set the bench mark for outstanding live performances across any musical genre.

Had Gaga lived a charmed life and a relatively easy road to stardom, similar to the likes of the Christina Aguilera and Brittany Spears' of the world, then I believe her music, passion and x-factor quality wouldn't be as powerful as it is. Rejection can be the greatest motivation of all and Gaga continuously encourages her fans to never give up on their dreams and to never let others tell you you're not good enough.

I wonder though, when the day will come that Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta (Lady Gaga) will emerge from behind the make-up, costumes and outrageous accessories and walk the street in a pair of sweatpants and a tshirt? Unfortunately, that day will likely be the end of the fantasy and alas the end of Gaga herself.

Yet, despite the crazy, anyone who promotes self love and confidence in whatever art form it comes is welcome in my world any day!

Album Of The Month...

Alicia Keys The Element Of Freedom

1. The Element Of Freedom (Intro)

2. Love Is Blind

3. Doesn’t Mean Anything

4. Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart

5. Wait Til They See My Smile

6. That’s How Strong My Love Is

7. Unthinkable (I’m Ready)

8. Love Is My Disease

9. Like The Sea

10. Put It In A Love Song feat. Beyoncé Knowles

11. This Bed

12. Distance And Time

13. How It Feels To Fly

14. Empire State Of Mind (Part II)